If you've walked into your local Target anytime lately you've probably noticed a lot of changes. Last year they announced that they would be replacing some of their old and classic brands with new ones. When I heard this, I kind of panicked...because I've literally LIVED in Mossimo and Merona tee-shirts for most of my teen years. But as they've been actually implementing their new lines, I've been shopping at Target even more. Walking through the Women's section is basically a death trap now. Every new brand they introduce seems to mimmick a higher end store. Universal Thread totally gives me Madewell vibes. Wild Fable, their latest addition, is like Urban Outfitters for a quarter of the price! And lastly, their new activewear line, Joylab is reminding me a little bit of Lulu Lemon. And I'm LOVING it. So today I thought I'd share a round up of my favorite pieces from all of the new lines, in addition to some other Target picks that look high end for a fraction of the price.

JoyLab or Lululemon???

Have you guys seen Target's new athleisure line yet!? I didn't even know it was releasing until I stumbled across it the other day and I LOVE it! Everything seems to be made really well, and it honestly reminds me a bit of Lululemon! I snagged this ribbed cropped tank last week, it’s so cute and can easily be worn outside of the gym. I’m also dying the order this crazy comfy crewneck! It comes in several colors, but of course, I need the blush pink shade. It’s SO freakin’ soft! The line also includes tons of beautiful leggings, jackets, and other various workout apparel. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

Universal Thread or Madewell???

So I’ve already talked about a few Universal Thread pieces, and I have to say, I really love this line as well! I’ve heard some complaints about the price, but for the style I feel like it’s really reasonable. This brand literally looks like Madewell to me! I saw this tank online and didn’t believe it was from Target. Also, I have to mention these under $20 Steve Madden sandal dupes, they are so cute and the closest dupe I’ve found to the classic Greece sandal.

Wild Fable or Urban Outfitters???

Last, but very not least, Wild Fable! The newest and my favorite of Target’s new brands! I am obsessed with this line for so many reasons. First and foremost, the price point is so good. I was genuinely shocked when I looked the price tags of the pieces in the collection. These jeans, which I’m wearing daily, were only $22. Yes, you read that right. This simple tank, $3. These faux leather leggings, $16. Everything is such a steal, not to mention the entire collection definitely mimics stores like Urban Outfitters, but for WAY less!

What do you guys think of Target's new brands? Which is your favorite?

I recently posted this picture on Instagram, I guess you could say it was my way of "coming back" after my little hiatus these last couple months. Posting this picture was pretty hard for me, which I know some may say sounds silly, but it was. In this picture I'm not wearing an ounce of makeup. My acne scars are in full view. My freckles are uncovered. My skin tone is uneven. I have never once posted a picture, at least not one this close up, without makeup on. But despite the fact that I knew these flaws were fully visible, I felt so confident in that photo. The day I took it I got up and sipped my coffee getting ready for my day. I picked out my outfit, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and set up my phone to watch a video as I sat down at my makeup table. I started pulling out my primer and my favorite foundation, then looked in the mirror.

I wasn't pressed for time that morning, in fact it was my day off. If anything I had more time than most days to cake my face if I pleased. But for some reason on that day I looked in the mirror and I had a thought I didn't used to have often. "I look pretty good," I thought to myself as I gazed at the faint freckles that covered my nose and my peeling (slightly) tanned skin. So I got up and l went outside, took a couple selfies, and went on with the day.

So where am I going with this? Today I want to talk a little bit about the idea of feeling confident vs being conceited. Since I took that picture this idea has been floating around my brain. I've never been good at accepting compliments, and I'm even worse at complimenting myself. Why? Because I don't want to seem conceited or full of myself. I don't want anyone to ever believe that I am doing something for the sole purpose of boosting my own ego. So I've always remained very humble. And even saying that, I feel the need to say, "and I don't mean that in a conceited way, or to compliment myself at all..."

But that's so wrong. The idea that we walk through life afraid of acknowledging our own beauty and greatness is ridiculous. And I don't think I got that until now. As I look back at my life, as a teenager and pre-teen, I never really considered myself un-confident. But was I actually confident either? Did I actively tell myself "you are beautiful"? No. I don't think I told myself that once in high school. I became so caught up in my fear of looking conceited in the eyes of others that I convinced myself it wasn't okay to recognize my own beauty. I convinced myself that I wasn't the compliments my friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers gave me. If I agreed with them, I would be self-centered, I would be conceited, I would be living a life that contrasted with my entire life purpose of serving and loving others.

And that, my friends, is where I truly believe I went wrong. I was a hypocrite. I've always preached about kindess, about being an inspiration in small ways, but I wasn't practicing that mentality with myself. When I talked to anyone else I would openly aknowledge their God-given natural beauty and talents, but when I looked at myself I didn't do the same.

So what I want to leave you with is this: It's okay to love yourself. It's okay to be confident in your looks and your abilities. Being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to other people. You are beautiful, inside and out, and it's completely okay to realize it.

So, I have a question for you guys. How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? Is owning 100+ pairs of shoes abnormal? Asking for a friend.

I've mentioned before that I've strongly considered converting my blog to focus solely on shoes (HA, did you catch my pun?) because I am a shoe girl. You know how some girls have lots of purses? Lots of sunglasses? For me, it's shoes, always and forever. I don't think I could stop buying shoes if I tried. And while all types of shoes have my heart (except flip-flops, I hate flip-flops) sneakers will always be my true weakness. Tonight I quickly want to share a few of the latest additions to my collection!

This gorgeous pair of Adidas' are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They are SO lightweight and come in several other colors if you're terrified of destroying these white/pink ones (I got mud on them the first day I wore them out...)! But I love this pair so much, they great with a comfy tee and a classic pair of black leggings.

Is it wrong to be both an adidas AND Nike lover? I don't think I could ever choose one over the other. There's two pairs of Nikes I've been living in lately. Firstly, these classic Nike Tanjuns. Mark bought them for me for my birthday a few months ago! I have them in rose-gold and black and love them both equally! When I know I'm going to be on my feet for long periods of time these are the sneakers I turn to, my feet never hurt when I wear them, even after working a double shift or hiking!

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Hey hey hey! Happy Friday peeps! It's currently 106 degrees outside and I'm typing this in front of a fan wearing running shorts and a tank, dripping in sweat. But I'm so excited to be sharing one of my go-to summer looks with you guys today! I've literally been living in this outfit lately. Almost everything I'm wearing is from one of my new favorite stores, Evereve, and they have a huge sale going on. And I mean huge! EVERYTHING on their site, and in-store (if you have one near you!), is on sale! Everything!

I hadn't heard of Evereve until just a couple months ago and I have been browsing their site on a weekly basis ever since. They carry so many high-quality brands and have great prices! (Most notably Free People and Levi!)

This Free People t-shirt has been on major repeat. I love the neckline and overall cut. It's loose but still super flattering. It also looks great tucked in with a pair of high waisted distressed jeans shorts! It's currently marked down under $25 and comes in red, white, and black.

Annnnddd these jeans. I've had my eye on these Levis for so long and I'm so glad I finally snatched them up. They are so comfortable, and such great quality! AND they're currently marked down to just $53.99!!!! (Originally $98!)

Last but not least, I can't get enough of this adorable black and white bandana. With work, my hair is always in a messy pony-tail so this summer I have been starting quite the collection of bandanas/hair scarves! I love the way they transform a look and distract from my un-washed hair! Hands down my fav trend of the season.

I'm linking several other pieces I've had my eye on below! Have a wondeful weekend!